<b>China and the BRI Ten Years on:</b><b>China and the BRI Ten Years on: Geopolitics and Development</b>

In this article, Dr. Ivo Ganchev builds on his interview with Martin Zubko on the <i>IR thinker</i> podcast, exploring the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a decade after its launch within the wider context of China’s growing global ambitions. Initially launched as China’s flagship infrastructure project, the BRI has become part of a larger strategic framework alongside the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). These initiatives signal China’s shift toward a more comprehensive global leadership role, encompassing economic development, security, and cultural diplomacy. Drawing on Dr. Ganchev’s research expertise and practical experience, this article examines the BRI’s geopolitical significance, its economic impact, and challenges such as debt sustainability and transparency. It also investigates how the BRI intersects with other global initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway and multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This article argues that despite financial challenges, the BRI remains a foundational element of China’s evolving global strategy, shedding light on China’s role in shaping global governance.